Each game counts from here on in, with several enormous conclusions in week 14 that could settle play-off spots come the end of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a massive problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three massive divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a tough close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing score in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being overturned. These franchises will meet once more on the last day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.
This result gave one side a narrow lead in their division, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During his 7 full years as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost every available contest during his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial game.
A key matchup could be if the potent offense can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. He passed for three scores and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total scores this year.
He is the only player in league annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling team watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar ailment.
